HELP! I'm doing really well being frugal, however, I'm most frustrated. It seems every time I go to use my Brillo pad, it's rusted and I have to grab another. This is most aggravating because the pad still has plenty of soap in it. Does anyone have any tips on making them last longer? I already have it sitting on a soap holder so the water can drain out of it.

I don't use them now but in the past I have cut my store bought ones in half and that worked pretty well. I also knew a woman that made some of the coolest ones that I have ever see and I have a cool how she did it and it was one of those family secrets and she would never tell me either. I've even looked online and have never found these things or a pattern. I guess that doesn't really help you ... but it did remind me that I'm still bitter that she never would share that pattern!

I don't use them now but in the past I have cut my store bought ones in half and that worked pretty well. I also knew a woman that made some of the coolest ones that I have ever see and I have a cool how she did it and it was one of those family secrets and she would never tell me either. I've even looked online and have never found these things or a pattern. I guess that doesn't really help you ... but it did remind me that I'm still bitter that she never would share that pattern!

Could you explain what the friends were like, and what the seemed to be made out of and maybe someone here has seen them or owns them and we can help you out!

I have found that I can't seem to make Brillo last without it rusting either. Some years back I found a product called Scotch Brite. It is like a Brillo pad except it never rusts! It's great because it lasts and lasts. The only problem is that it is sometimes difficult to find in stores. I do find them from time to time at the 99 cent store.
Also, I have heard people making their own scrubbies using the plastic netting that fruits and vegetables sometimes comes in.

Hi if it is the same as Scotch Brites (very common in Aus) then squeeze water out and cover in a container of olive oil, the oil is not toxic and non corrosive. This also works well with razor blades, it makes them last longer and makes a smoother shave too DH says.